China is sending its first high-performance electric sports car to the United Kingdom next year. The Small Sports Car Company, a dedicated British firm, will import the SC01 starting in April. It offers a rare option for buyers who want a pure driving experience without the clutter of modern driver-assist systems.
The SC01 looks like a mashup of British and Italian classics. It resembles a Lotus Elise with the aggressive, low-slung stance of a reborn Lancia Stratos. This vehicle has actually been available in China for about a year under the name JMEV 01. The new British company handles all sales for the right-hand drive market.
A Design That Bridges Eras
Enthusiasts might hesitate at the prospect of an electric vehicle from an unfamiliar brand. Yet, the SC01 uses a steel spaceframe chassis and a twin-motor powertrain. It produces 429bhp and 413lb ft of torque. The setup is unique because the driver can switch between all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive on the fly.
This flexibility lets drivers tailor the car to their specific conditions. The chassis hardware includes double-wishbone pushrod suspension, adjustable shocks, and magnesium alloy wheels. Six-pot, 360mm front brakes anchor the vehicle, with four-pots and 330mm brakes at the rear.
Performance and Practicality
Acceleration is aggressive. The SC01 hits 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 124mph. A 60kWh battery provides a quoted range of 311 miles on China’s CLTC test cycle. European buyers should expect that number to drop when the official WLTP figures are released.
Inside, the cabin is stripped back. It features a digital driver display, Bluetooth audio, and cruise control. The cabin includes a proper handbrake and serious carbon bucket seats. The car weighs 1,365kg, which is impressively light for an electric vehicle.
Feng Xiaotong, the engineer behind the SC01, says he wants to create a car enthusiasts will love. He grew up admiring British pioneers who believed driving should be about lightness and simplicity. The SC01 is his tribute to that philosophy.
The practical reality for British drivers is that the SC01 arrives in small numbers. The Small Sports Car Company targets low three figures of annual sales. This limited production run allows the car to avoid the automated driver aids that many modern vehicles use. Instead of focusing on safety tech, the SC01 focuses on the mechanics of driving.
Related: New Car Creeper Prioritizes User Safety
The electric sports car market currently has few contenders beyond the MG Cyberster, but upcoming models like the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 promise to change that setting. However, the SC01 aims to beat these competitors to the market. Its arrival in Britain comes a year after its initial release in China, marking the transition from the JMEV 01 to its dedicated British identity.
Although the SC01 originates from China, its design philosophy pays homage to British engineering history. The resemblance to the Lotus Elise and the Lancia Stratos suggests a focus on lightweight construction and agility. This design language attempts to bridge the gap between modern electric power and classic sports car aesthetics.
Beyond the chassis, the powertrain offers distinct driving modes. While the standard configuration delivers 429bhp through all four wheels, the ability to disengage motors allows for a rear-wheel-drive experience. This feature appeals to purists who prefer a traditional power delivery. Additionally, the inclusion of a handbrake in the interior points to a commitment to manual driving engagement.
The suspension architecture further emphasizes the car’s sporting intent. The double-wishbone pushrod setup, combined with adjustable shocks, provides a responsive platform. Magnesium alloy wheels contribute to weight reduction, keeping the vehicle agile. The braking system utilizes large six-pot calipers at the front and four-pots at the rear to manage the car’s considerable performance.
Despite its electric power, the SC01 manages to maintain a competitive weight. At 1,365kg, it sits close to the target weight of the Alpine A110, which is notable for an EV. This weight management is key for ensuring the car retains its sporting character rather than feeling sluggish.
Accessibility to the car is limited by production volume. The Small Sports Car Company expects to sell only a low three-figure number of units annually. This exclusivity helps the brand maintain a niche status while avoiding the complexity of mass-market production. The car is designed to serve a specific audience that values simplicity over safety aids.
Feng Xiaotong’s vision for the SC01 centers on the connection between the driver and the machine. His background as an enthusiast drives the design choices, rejecting the “bings and bongs” of typical modern vehicles. The interior reflects this with a digital display, Bluetooth connectivity, and driver and passenger airbags, but it remains a spartan environment focused on the act of driving.
